Category: Industry-leading

Repairing the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct

We started a £3.4m project this month to repair the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands. This will future-proof the category A-listed bridge for generations. Glenfinnan Viaduct’s world-famous, particularly after its appearances in the Harry Potter films. It’s also part of the operational railway. It’s Scotland’s longest mass concrete rail bridge, spanning 1,000ft, with … Continued

Repairing Old Dalby test track

Our Old Dalby test track is a valuable innovation hub. So how better to repair a landslip here than by trialling new tech that will benefit you, our neighbours and the environment? The Old Dalby test track – or Melton Rail Innovation and Development Centre as it is now known – sits in the village … Continued

Flood resilience work: Conwy Valley Line

We’ve worked hard throughout the years building up the resilience of Conwy Valley Line in North Wales – to make sure we can get you moving safely again after severe weather. The Conwy Valley Line is one of Britain’s most scenic railways – but its location near the Conwy Estuary makes it particularly susceptible to … Continued

East Coast Digital Programme hits major milestone

The East Coast Digital Programme has taken another big step forward in its mission to bring digital signalling to one of our biggest railway lines. We’ve commissioned new tech on the East Coast Main Line – which runs north out of London King’s Cross – between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin. Engineers worked around the … Continued

Helping small and medium-sized businesses across Britain

We work with thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) all over Britain to look after the railway. Find out how we’re supporting these companies and why it matters. SMEs: the backbone of the economy In November 2022, the Department for Education reported that SMEs represent 99% of businesses in the UK. SMEs employ millions … Continued

Most read stories of 2023

There are endless stories on the railway, from how our vital equipment works to rewarding careers helping passengers like you at our stations. Here are 10 of the most read of the past year: Want more posts? Visit our stories section to read our latest posts.

Barmouth Viaduct upgrade in numbers

This December, we completed our £30m restoration of Barmouth Viaduct in North Wales. To celebrate, here’s some key facts in numbers. 156 The number of years old this grade II* listed structure is. Its listed status recognises the special architectural and historic interest this Victorian bridge has and means we had to take extra care … Continued

Using artificial intelligence to create a better railway

We’re using artificial intelligence to proactively find and repair faults along the railway – before they impact your journeys. Smart tech We’ve been developing and using a new web application called Insight, which helps us plan and prioritise maintenance repair work and avoid delays to your journeys and freight.  Data from measurement trains, track images … Continued

Using artificial intelligence to help our furry neighbours

Our railway is home to a variety of plant and animals, including the rare and elusive dormice. Find out how we’re using innovative methods to help our small and furry neighbours.  Hazel dormice are known to live along the edge of certain stretches of railway, mainly in south England and along the Welsh border. The … Continued

Tackling leaves on the line using Water-Trak

Did you know that leaves on the track can pose a serious safety threat to trains and cause major disruptions to your rail journeys? Here’s how we’re tackling this problem through innovation … The problem Leaves on the track can delay your journeys – particularly in the autumn. Fallen leaves can make the top layer … Continued